Padel, a rapidly growing sport with Mexican origins, has captivated players worldwide with its unique blend of tennis and squash elements. While the game may seem straightforward at first glance, understanding the rules is essential to fully enjoying this dynamic sport. This guide will walk you through the fundamental rules of Padel, helping you get the most out of your game.
What Are the Rules of Padel?
Padel is played on a smaller, enclosed court with specific rules that distinguish it from other racket sports. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences and essential rules to keep in mind:
Players
Padel is typically played in doubles on a 10 by 20-meter court, while singles games are played on a 6 by 20-meter court.
Serves
Serves are underhand and must be hit below waist level. Balls that hit the walls after bouncing on the ground remain in play.
Balls
Padel balls are similar to tennis balls but slightly smaller. While official matches require padel balls, casual games often use regular tennis balls.
Rackets
Padel rackets are solid, made of composite materials, and perforated. They lack strings and are slightly different from those used in platform tennis.
Court
The padel court is smaller than a tennis court, measuring 10×20 meters. It has a 0.88-meter-high net in the center and is surrounded by 4-meter-high walls made of glass, brick, or fencing.
Scoring
Padel follows the same scoring system as tennis, with the introduction of the “Golden Point” at deuce, where the receiving team chooses the service side.
These unique features and rules create a game that is fast-paced, strategic, and enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
What About the Padel Court?
The padel court is designed to enhance the gameplay experience, combining elements from both tennis and squash. Measuring 10 meters wide and 20 meters long, the court is enclosed by walls that are crucial to the game’s dynamics. The net divides the court into two halves, with a height of 88 cm in the center, rising to 92 cm at the sides.
The walls surrounding the court are made from glass and metal mesh panels. The back walls and service side walls reach 4 meters in height, while the remaining side walls stand at 3 meters. This design allows for the ball to be played off the walls, adding a layer of strategy and excitement to the game. The court also includes service lines placed 3 meters from the back wall and a central line dividing the service box in half.
Scoring in Padel
Padel uses a scoring system identical to tennis, but with an exciting twist introduced in 2020: the “Golden Point.” When a game reaches deuce, the receiving team selects whether the service will come from the right or left side of the court. The team that wins this single point wins the game, adding an extra level of tension and strategy to every match.
Why Tennis? You Have Padel!
Padel is a sport that combines the best of tennis and squash, offering a unique and thrilling experience for players of all levels. By familiarizing yourself with the rules, court dimensions, and scoring system, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy this exciting game.